Aligarh Alumni Association of Atlanta: A History of Community, Culture, and Educational Exchange
The Aligarh Alumni Association of Atlanta (AAAA) stands as a testament to the enduring bonds forged at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and the commitment of its alumni to fostering community, preserving culture, and promoting education. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a vibrant organization, the AAAA has played a significant role in the lives of Aligarians in the Atlanta area and beyond.
Genesis and Growth: A Legacy of Cultural Preservation
The Aligarh Alumni Association of Atlanta (AAAA) started the tradition of holding mushaira in 1985; it is the oldest South-Asian cultural event in the Atlanta area. The AAAA's commitment to cultural preservation is perhaps best exemplified by its annual international mushaira. This tradition, started in 1985, has become the oldest South-Asian cultural event in the Atlanta area, eagerly awaited by Urdu/Hindu lovers. For over three decades, the AAAA has brought renowned and stalwart poets from the subcontinent to Atlanta, providing a platform for them to share their inspiring compositions with the community.
The 32nd annual international mushaira, held on November 17, 2018, at Mercer University, Cecil B. Day Hall auditorium, showcased the AAAA's dedication to showcasing literary talent from India, Pakistan, and the U.K. Every year 4-5 poets from India, Pakistan, and other countries are invited to participate. Invited poets included Mr. Khushbir Singh Shaad (India), Dr. Nikhat Iftikhar (U.K.), Mr. Rahman Faris (Pakistan), Mr. Saud Usmani (Pakistan), Dr. Abdullah (Washington, D.C.). The mushaira featured both local and guest poets, with the main session skillfully moderated by AAAA Vice President, Yasir Nomani. The poetry presented touched on various themes, including immigrant life, observations of surroundings, feminine sentiments, and the trials and tribulations of life.
Fostering Education: Scholarships, Exchanges, and Smart Classrooms
Beyond cultural events, the AAAA is deeply committed to fostering education, both in the Atlanta area and at its alma mater, Aligarh Muslim University. The organization actively promotes educational opportunities through various initiatives, including scholarship programs, faculty exchange programs, and the establishment of smart classrooms at AMU.
Dr. Rasheed Ahmad, chairman of AAAA Board of Trustees, emphasized the AAAA’s activities. He spoke of the faculty and students exchange program between AMU and Mercer University, the ongoing scholarship program for Ph.D. and MS students aspiring for admission to North American universities, and the recently completed smart classrooms at AMU campus. The faculty and students exchange program between AMU and Mercer University stands as a testament to the AAAA's commitment to promoting scholarly ties and cross-cultural understanding. This program, facilitated by the AAAA, has enabled faculty members from both institutions to teach and learn from each other's students, fostering a deeper appreciation for different perspectives and approaches to education.
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Dr. Wm. Loyd Allen shared his experiences of teaching history of the church to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) students in India two years ago. Dr. Towqueer Alam, Professor of Islamic Studies at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India), visited MercerUniversity as part of the faculty-exchange program. The exchange program has had a profound impact on both institutions, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.
The AAAA also supports students aspiring for admission to North American universities through its ongoing scholarship program for Ph.D. and MS students. This program provides financial assistance to deserving students, enabling them to pursue their academic goals and contribute to their respective fields.
In addition to its scholarship and exchange programs, the AAAA has also contributed to the development of smart classrooms at AMU, providing students with access to modern technology and resources that enhance their learning experience.
Building Bridges: Interfaith Dialogue and Community Engagement
The AAAA recognizes the importance of building bridges between communities and fostering interfaith dialogue. Through its partnerships with institutions like Mercer University, the AAAA has actively promoted understanding and cooperation between different faith traditions.
Sunday, April 10, 2016 was an important day in promoting peace, goodwill, and understanding among Atlanta communities. Symbolic of that goal, a tree planting ceremony was held at the Mercer University-Atlanta campus in which members of the Aligarh Alumni Association of Atlanta (AAAA) and Mercer officials participated. Dr. Jalal Zuberi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, commended the ongoing collaboration of faculty-exchange program and hoped that it will advance further to include student exchanges.
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The establishment of the Peace Garden at the center of Mercer campus, with the support of AAAA members, symbolizes the organization's commitment to promoting peace and harmony. This garden serves as a reminder of the importance of interfaith dialogue and the shared values that unite people from different backgrounds.
The current Mercer-AMU collaboration emerged from several interfaith meetings at the Mercer campus. Encouraged by the initial donation of land and funds from Mercer University, Atlanta’s Aligarh Alumni Association generated the major portion of resources.
Organizational Matters: Governance and General Body Meetings
To ensure the smooth functioning of the organization, the AAAA holds regular General Body Meetings (GBM) to discuss important matters and make decisions. These meetings are governed by the AAAA's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, which outline the rules and procedures for the organization's operations.
A General Body Meeting (GBM) of IACA was called TO REVIEW & AMEND IACA ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION & BY-LAWS on Sunday, November 17, 2024. The Board of Directors (BOD) of IACA, in its meeting held on November 24th, 2024, decided to hold the adjourned General Body Meeting (GBM) of IACA TO REVIEW & AMEND IACA ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION & BY-LAWS on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 11455 Lakefield Dr. Ste. #100B, Johns Creek, GA 30097.
The General Body Meetings are crucial for electing new officers and making important decisions for the organization. The president calls a general body meeting whenever he finds it necessary by giving two weeks written notice. The president shall call a general body meeting if 10% of the members of the Association sign a petition requesting such a meeting. The president shall also call a general body meeting if two-third majority of the Board of Directors request. A majority vote will carry the decisions. If the meetings were held before September 30, the members who paid their dues by the date when the notice for such a meeting is announced, shall be eligible to vote.
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The general body meeting shall be chaired by the chairperson of the Board of Directors. In the event there is no quorum at the general body meeting, a second general body meeting will be called after due notice. Members present at this second general body meeting shall constitute a quorum.
Remembering Aligarians: Tributes and Memorials
The AAAA also serves as a platform for remembering and honoring Aligarians who have passed away. The organization provides a space for members to share their condolences and celebrate the lives of those who have contributed to the Aligarh community.
The AMU Community was saddened last week to learn about the passing of Mrs. Jamila Siddiqi at Aligarh, who was personally known to many of our members. She was heavily involved in charitable work and the promotion of education among disadvantaged women.
Condemnation of Violence: Standing Against Terrorism
The AAAA stands firmly against violence and terrorism, condemning such acts in the strongest possible terms. The organization has expressed its solidarity with victims of terrorist attacks and has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and understanding.
The AMU has strongly condemned the barbaric massacre of innocent school children at Army Public School, Peshawar, by the Taliban.
The Enduring Spirit of Aligarh: Inspiring Future Generations
The Aligarh Alumni Association of Atlanta embodies the enduring spirit of Aligarh Muslim University, fostering a sense of community, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting education and interfaith dialogue. Through its various initiatives, the AAAA has made a significant impact on the lives of Aligarians in the Atlanta area and beyond, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of their alma mater and contribute to a better world.
Dr Abidullah Ghazi studied in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) from 1951 to 1959 and completed his Masters in Political Science. He also did Masters from London School of Economics and finished his Doctorate from Harvard University in 1973. He founded “Iqra International” in late 1989 in Chicago IL USA which develops curriculum and books of Islamic schools for US and other countries. He also established Association of South Asian Studies (ASAS) in Aligarh (UP) India in 1998. He authored several books and wrote many articles in different literary journals and magazines. His AMU stay have a vibrant history: was elected Honorary Secretary of AMU Student's Union in 1954; got elected, un-opposed, President in 1959.
Dr. Abidullah Ghazi was part of Indian officials delegation to China just few years before the Indo-China war of 1962. His first passport and swapping of pictures episode is memorable. Reminded me of my passport story which I will avoid to write here. This 60 years old incident give me a sense that in few aspect, Indian officials working is not changed much.Dr Abidullah Ghazi sahab did not forget his financial difficulties and recognized the people who helped him in those difficult days. His description of final days of his final examination related preparations and his encounters with Mohammad Hamid Ansari sahab (former Vice-President of India) who was his classmate, is quite mesmerizing. It took me back, down the memory lane, to my own examination days and once again I did not find it different that of 1959. Inclusion of historical pictures and his famous poem, "Akhiri Shab - Alwidaa Aligarh", is particularly more touching, hence a bonus read.
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